ServiceNet’s 34th Annual Autism Conference Draws Families, Advocates, and Professionals to Springfield
Attendees gathered to chat with some of more than 50 presenters at ServiceNet’s 34th Annual Autism Conference.
Keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Wendler helped spark conversations on neurodiversity, inclusion, empowerment, and support at all ages.
More than three decades after it began as a small gathering at Holyoke Community College, the annual Autism Connections Conference continues to grow.
Hosted by Autism Connections, a program of ServiceNet, the 34th Annual Autism Conference was held April 30 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. The event brought together autistic self-advocates, families, educators, professionals, caregivers, and community organizations for a full day of presentations, discussion, and networking centered on the theme “A Whole Life, The Empowered Journey!”
“This year marks an exciting milestone,” Karen Serra, vice president of family services, wrote in her welcome message to attendees. “This is the first year Autism Connections is part of ServiceNet, and we have been able to grow in ways we could not have imagined before, including expanding to a record 18 breakout sessions. More expertise, more voices, and more opportunities to connect than ever before.”
Calming lighting, fidgets, inflatable loungers, star projectors, ear plugs, and a small tent with cushions and fairy lights were among the resources available in the sensory room.
The conference featured breakout sessions on topics including belonging and community, empowerment, support at all ages, and practical strategies for people with autism and their families. Attendees also explored regional services and resources through an Exhibitor Showcase featuring more than 50 organizations from across the area.
“This conference reflects what can happen when autistic self-advocates, families, professionals, and community organizations come together with a shared commitment to inclusion and support,” said Bruno Calouro, CEO of ServiceNet. “We are proud to support Autism Connections as it continues expanding opportunities for education, empowerment, and community across western Massachusetts.”
That growth was evident in both the conference’s reach and its programming.
“Our annual Autism Conference has a rich history,” said Katie Drumm, ServiceNet’s senior director of operations and a member of the conference committee. “Under ServiceNet, we have continued to bring the vision that a small group of parents started over three decades ago to a new level. We were thrilled to broaden our community outreach and increase our breakout sessions to offer a wide range of topics and insights. It was uplifting to see so many people gathered to learn, collaborate, and celebrate as a community.”
She noted that the event has brought nationally recognized speakers such as Temple Grandin and Ron Suskind to the region while also highlighting local resources and supports.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Daniel Wendler, a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and autistic self-advocate known for his work on neurodiversity and inclusion. In his address, Wendler encouraged attendees to imagine a world “where being normal is not the goal,” where neurodiversity is affirmed, and where people are supported in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Volunteer and Milestones Instructor Eddy Hougen speaks with an attendee at the Whole Children and Milestones exhibitor table.
Among the presenters was Jordan Salzano, an autistic self-advocate and author who is studying to become an occupational therapy assistant. Salzano led a presentation titled “Embracing Change and Pivoting Your Passion on the Autism Spectrum” and also participated in a panel discussion, “Empowered Together: Autistic Perspectives on Belonging and Community.”
“As an autism self-advocate, I am always looking for opportunities to display my advocacy efforts and education,” Salzano said. “When I learned of the Autism Connections Conference, I felt that it was an excellent opportunity not only to engage in those efforts but also to meet people who are also advocating and making great strides for the autism community.”
Salzano said such gatherings create opportunities not only for education, but also for support and relationship-building among people with many different experiences of autism.
“These conferences also serve as a community-like environment, where people can connect, form relationships, and show each other that even though everyone’s path with autism is different, there is a lot of support that can be found,” she said.
Dr. Daniel Wendler delivered a lively keynote address that blended anecdotes from his own journey with insights and data from his research.
Some of the most meaningful moments, Salzano added, came after her presentations, when attendees approached her to share their own experiences or ask for advice.
“That meant a lot to me,” she said, “as people looked to me to help them and to be a beacon of guidance and support.”
For attendees, the informal conversations throughout the day were often as important as the scheduled sessions themselves.
Laura Hurler, a case manager in ServiceNet’s Shared Living Program, attended the conference for the third time this year.
“One thing that always strikes me is the connections made with other participants both at the sessions and during transitions,” Hurler said. “Those conversations are just as important and profound as the organized trainings. I will absolutely be attending again.”
Autism Connections provides a wide variety of services and support for children and adults with autism and their families in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties as well as the North Quabbin area in Massachusetts. To learn more, call 413-585-8010, email [email protected], or visit autismconnections.servicenet.org.
